came here for my birthday dinner as a part of Dine LA. really delicious food. steak was perfectly cooked with a sultry mushroom sauce all around it. it was crisp on the outside and perfectly medium rare. good bite to it. also was in love with the charred broccolini, which had lemon, breadcrumbs, and some other stuff on it. i never had broccolini like that before and it taught me a new way to cook it at home lol. the mac and cheese was aight, not amazing but not terrible. the tuna tartare tower was aight as well, would not order that here. it was a bit too watery though the fish was pretty fresh. caesar salad was aight. the dessert was aight as well, did not like the peanut butter cake. all in all, steak great, broccolini bomb, everything else meh (; it was a bit loud inside for being a tiny place, and i wish the waiter came around a bit more frequently as we were thirsty. very dark and dimly lit place. read more

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This place is incredible and very much worth the Uber ride. Culver City itself was very interesting to see along the way. Once again, LA brought with it great, friendly service and amazing food and drinks. I loved this old timey place and the decor. I don't know if I was sold on the pigs in a blanket and I still find it an odd menu item, but my friends liked them so I will defer to them. The oysters were bomb, and Sean and I split the shrimp scampi. We had a peanut butter wafer thingy for desert that was perfect with the best ice cream ever. read more

Dear John’s - Great ambiance and lighting at Dear John's. - American Near Me - Culver City, California

Went for a birthday dinner the day after Thanksgiving. Thought it wouldn't be crowded, but actually the restaurant was filled to my surprise. Our server was very friendly and took her time with us. Never rushed us and made it a very enjoyable birthday celebration for my friend. read more

Dear John’s - Birthday Martinis! - American Near Me - Culver City, California

Based on the reviews here, we wondered about eating on the patio and found it was so much fun. Loved the music, the service was great, and the food delicious. What a great place to have a well-prepared steak, a delicious dessert and coffee. Really enjoyed ourselves. read more

This is not based on the food as I've dined many times and had a good meal. I want to address the lackluster person who answers the phone. For a restaurant that claims to be bougie maybe they should hire staff that didn't just perhaps leave working at a sizzler. I get that there are policies but as someone who has dined there a bit - retention would seem to be something more important and easily spends almost $1000 each time. I had two immune compromised people dining with me and called ahead as it was cold and raining so I asked if f I could move us inside the answer was no. Then I called to cancel as I couldn't chance it - charged $25 a person for the cancelation. Things happen people have to cancel a $50 charge maybe ok but $25 a person for a party of 5 plus for an unwavering host - who tells me I can book another night to avoid the fee and so I asked what if I have to cancel that with 4 days notice and (this is not in writing anywhere) tells me well then we will charge you for a second cancelation. I've dined at some of the finest restaurants in the world - Dear Johns. You're not worthy of this behavior and making up rules for the second cancelation that are not written anywhere - my money will happily go somewhere else and you can count on my word traveling far for those that I have recommended after premiers and more. read more

We had high hopes for this restaurant. We were seated outside and the patio needs some maintenance. We ordered the Caesar salad, garlic bread, chicken Parmesan, pigs in a blanket and potatoes au gratin. All were very disappointing. My husband and I both felt the quality and taste of the food was like a crappy diner. The service was good but that doesn't make up for the food. Won't be going back. read more

I can't comment on the presentation of the food, because I couldn't see it. The single candle on the table was the only source of light. I literally couldn't see what I was eating. read more

French onion soup and fish were 5/5! Decent food at decent prices for a birthday dinner. 3 of us shared the ribeye steak, fish main, wedge salad, French onion soup and garlic bread. French onion soup and fish main were the stand outs for me. The steak wasn't amazing but might be your preference if you enjoy non aged classic steak with not much of a crust. Service was on point and it's your classic steakhouse environment with dimly lit surroundings. read more

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I was definitely disappointed with this place. The food was super overpriced. They squeeze as much money out of customers as possible by selling all of the entrée sides separately. And I've had better food for much less in LA (that comes with more on the plate). Their famous ceasar salad ($35 for two people) that they make in front of the table is just pre cut lettuce tossed with pre made dressing and didn't even include fresh parm (it was powder parm too lol). The bread was mid, the steak was mid, the lobster was mid. This place gets 2 stars because the service was pretty good. We sat on the patio and a bird pooped in the food (I can't make this up) so staff brought us a piece of cheesecake. Some say we should've been comp'd for the food but i don't know if i agree since staff can't control nature. I wouldn't recommend sitting on the patio. I do think the novelty of this being an old Hollywood spot is highly capitalized by current owners but is lacking quality to make this place great on its own. read more

Came here on a weeknight. The ambience was on point and so was the food. Their old fashions are super delicious. Highly recommend this steakhouse if you're into vintage nostalgia. read more

Dear John’s - Old fashion - American Near Me - Culver City, California

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We've been here a couple times now and it's never disappoints. We made a reservation, but got there early and sat at the bar. I ordered what may have been the best martini I've ever had and the blue cheese olives were amazing. The place is small and tables are fairly close together, but we were able to get a high top table in the corner which was cozy and romantic because we didn't feel crammed like you might in the dining room. They offer some great menu items on but I opted for the sand dabs for the second timeand he got the filet. We ordered the creamed corn and mashed potatoes as sides to share. Generous portions and the sand dabs were cooked perfectly, practically melts in your mouth. On some nights, they have live music. read more

Food was delicious! We started with the Caesar salad which was fun... the waiter, Ben brought over a large wooden bowl... then added the ingredients one by one, previously chopped romaine wrapped and stored in cheese cloth, croutons, a healthy amount of cheese, dressing, pepper... then he put tossed salad onto plates and extra salad in another smaller bowl. The pigs in a blanket were really tasty... nice pastry and ample wagyu sausage with a really tangy Dijon. Ben set the Dijon on the side and said to try it with the broccolini... that mustard was excellent with the pork too! Haha The ribeye was crusty and perfectly cooked, broccolini was great with the toppings, mashed potatoes too.... Asked for all leftovers to be wrapped and Ben took the time to wrap up a tablespoon of potatoes... which I just ate... just a good haha read more

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Had a very mixed experience at Dear John's... The great: The building, staff, and ambiance/vibe were excellent. They did a really great job restoring the location and keeping true to the origin without it being kitschy. The good: cocktails were excellent as were most of starters, particularly the wedge salad and beef tartare. The bad: The pigs in a blanket, not sure what they're going for here but what we got were underwhelming overcooked/shriveled sausages in pre-fab puff pastry. Most disappointing was the steak: the ribeye came to the table looking great, a perfect medium-rare cook and beautiful sear, unfortunately the meat had zero aging on it. It was extremely tough and flavorless. I'm not sure how that's even possible at a restaurant like this considering the names attached. Wet aging and forecasting meat inventory is step 1 for a steakhouse and the reason we're willing to pay $68 for a steak that should be tender and full of flavor/umami. I can't imagine Josiah Citrin tasting my steak and thinking it's anywhere near remotely acceptable for service. read more

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Excellent food and service. The old school feel is amazing. Highly recommend the rack of lamb

Delicious food, exquisite taste, and amazing quality. Our waitress was super nice, and she was very sweet and accommodating. While the food was absolutely stellar and the service of the utmost quality, it was, however, extremely crammed in and tight. There was no wiggle room and I was having a hard time hearing my own conversation over the one next to us-at times I felt more involved in theirs! Additionally, the restroom was smaller than an airplane bathroom, and it was less than desirable. Overall, enjoyed the experience. read more

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Service and food was good, not great. Recommend parking on street to save $12. And probably would skip this place unless you're into old school Hollywood or over the age of 60. read more

Went to see how they transform the old classic place into an upscale steakhouse I Culver City. The waiter had no patience and was bad talking food. The steaks were very over cooked. As a steak house server I know my stuff. We hoped it would be a go to spot. The manager apologized and asked for us to come back. We did. We gave it a second shot. We sat at the bar. I even knew the bartender from patronizing my restaurant. We got raw meat. I apologized and sent it back. We said med rare. It came out medium for my wife and well done again for me 15 mins later. Wow! Fool me once. But the second time I know not to got back. I'd rather the old place with the cheap prime rib dinner at $28 a the bad lounge singer. read more

Had a great time with my friend for dinner! We sat outside in the patio area but then came in for a drink after. Our waiter was very kind & the food was delicious! I will def be back to sit inside. The cheesecake is a must item btw!! read more

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Food was decent, service was professional, ambience was nice. Absolutely not worth the price. Nothing to write home about. $600 for a dinner for two is absolutely ridiculous for what we got, some things were decent and others I would straight up not eat again, and I absolutely will not be returning, very low value for your money. read more

Dear John's re-opened recently, but this old skool steakhouse used to be frequented by Old Blue Eyes back in the day. We started off w/ an old skool app, oysters rockerfeller. DJ's version is very good w/ lots of parmesan. The caesar salad was spun tableside, and they have anchovies if you like. The lettuce was crunchy, and the dressing was tangy as it should be. I've been eating more NY steak lately, bc ribeye is too fatty, and filet mignon doesn't have enuf flavor. DJ's steaks are seasoned well, and are charred on the outside & pink on the inside. The quality of the meat was top notch. Regarding the ambiance, its old skool dark in here. There is a cool bar to have a drink. Frank Sinatra music is piping in the background. The tables are close together, but its not overly loud. Likewise, our waitress Kris was fantastic. She was on point, super attentive and nice. So why 4 Stars vs 5 Stars? We had a res, and they sat three of us in this space that is meant for two. However, bc it was in a corner booth area, they tried to justify it was for three. I asked for a table, and the hostess said the tables were for 4. That was total bullshit, bc both tables only had 3 people sitting in them later. I absolutely fukn hate when restaurants seat above avg size people like me and my biz associates, who have a res in tight spaces. If the food had been avg, this review would have been a Two Star 2uesday. read more

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I never write bad reviews but this one takes the cake. I get that there are new owners who saved an old gem, but major posers. My mother who is now dead, got a card from the old owners for two free cocktails because they screwed up her order. I brought the card and they did not honor it. They even laughed. Really over priced and snooty wait staff. If you want to eat here and you are not rich, take out a loan because you will need it. read more

Went to Dear John's for DineLA. Just the best. Steak Diane was superb. Our server, Eric, let us have some extra time with our cocktails before ordering. It was quite busy for a Tuesday night. Always love the chill vibe at Dear John's. read more

Food was Delicious. Their service was great. And the ambiance, is cozy and romantic. I recommend this restaurant and I'm definitely coming back. read more

The hostess was beyond rude. I can not believe they would allow someone so rude to be the one first meeting customers in person or on phone. We had a mix up in reservations and ended up with 2. The first was something I had booked by calling in. Was told they only had a high top table at 530pm but would notify me if a standard seat became available. Few hours later I got a ping from open table that a standard table was open at 545. Perfect! I booked that. I didn't see anything on my open table account for the 530pm table so I assumed it was modified. I even called the restaurant to double check but the didn't answer and I didn't feel like listening to a weird message from Jamie Lee Curtis so I never left a message. The next afternoon I get a text confirming my 530pm - I responded to the text saying I thought it was moved to 545 for the seating change but we would be there. The hostess then called and legit tried to scold me for the error. Threatened a cc charge but said she would make an exception and hung up. Wow. At this point I'm not even wanting to go but it was too late to change the groups plans. We traveled from the Arcadia/Sierra Madre and gave ourselves over an hour to get there. Well the 405 happens and we got caught in traffic, we still made it to the valet a few min before 6. Gave the keys and walked in. Gave the hostess my name and she literally rolled her eyes in front of us and said she had just cancelled our table. Then she proceeded to give us back our table but said we had to be done by 745. At this point I wanted to say "don't worry I have no desire to linger at this business " We walked into what felt like pitch black room. My goodness how is that not one giant fall risk for the elderly or those with bad vision. Eyes eventually adjusted but a few more lights wouldn't go amiss. Our waiter ended up becoming warmer and laughed a bit with us. The food was very good but nothing so overwhelming amazing that you would need to go back over and over for. The prices are way too high considering the rude service, there are many places with great food and exceptional service in LA that I would rather give my business and loyalty to read more

Four and 1/2 really! Food was amazing and the vibe----wow! Like stepping back in time. Just didn't get 5 for me because we got a reminder phone call that we were late for dinner but we had already checked in and were at the bar waiting ----front of the house needs to step up a bit . Valet was super efficient and accommodating for my friend who needs a little extra help. Friend and I shared a NY steak and then had several sides ----the steak melted in your mouth and the Bernaise was amazing . The crab on toast appetizer was a little salt forward ----but everything else was on pointe . Creamed corn was delish and the German Potatoes were to die for . Loved the artwork and everything about this iconic restaurant ---expensive? Yes ....but so is Disneyland ---it's all about the experience and this place is worth the visit! read more

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Dined in patio w friends since indoors is brutally noisy and we wanted to be able to talk w them. Ambiance is thé worst: torn umbrella, old heaters, uncomfortable chairs UGLY! Server was competent enough but bit too talkative. Steaks not great, stingy size, $5 for sauce. Ceasar salad strange as several ingredients premixed tho it's assembled table side albeit too drenched w dressing. Kicker was bar service: ordered 2 martinis and we were charged extra $6.00 for another onion and olive. Have never experienced this anywhere. Mgmt ungracious when we asked about this. We also ordered 6 glasses of wine so surely gave them bar business. Cannot understand the hype about this place as there are many steakhouse choices so much better-be sure to choose one of them! read more

Small, very crowded, very noisy, very dark. Service OK but staff doesn't have much room to maneuver. Simple menu, not exciting. A bit expensive. No reason to return. read more

Protip: call the number listed to listen to Jaime Lee Curtis tell you about the restaurant. It's cute. We were trying to figure out where we wanted to eat on a Saturday night and my date Decided to come here on a Saturday night after finding out about Bougie Tots. I love tots and if there are any sort of loaded potatoes. When we first walked in we were a little taken aback by how crowded and loud it was. The tables are pretty close together so it's not the most intimate of settings. We decided to let our waiter pick our meal for us and he did a fantastic job. Bougie tots- This is what I came for! They are fun from a novelty perspective. These were topped with caviar, creme fraiche, and salmon roe. Delicious and so fitting of the environment. Pork Chop- this was the standout of the night. I believe this was a special. It was paired with some peppers and we really enjoyed the splash of acid it brought to the dish. Ribeye- Perfectly cooked with flaky salt Mashed potatoes- solid side Mushrooms with herb butter- love mushrooms and thought this was a great sideto pair with the ribeye Our waiter was great and we had a wonderful night. read more

Dear John’s - Pork chop, New York Steak, mashed potatoes, and mushrooms - American Near Me - Culver City, California

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Dear John's is an above average steakhouse with a standard limited menu. The martinis are strong and cold and the steaks are seasoned and charred as they should be. Highlights included the decadent lobster thermidor as well as the cup of bearnaise, which is also perfect for dipping fries. Lowlights included the French onion soup, ladled with cheese but not enough onion, as well as the service, we were waited on by the maitre d and not a dedicated server. read more

Came here to celebrate a birthday. Was so dark inside it was hard to see the person across the table .The restaurant is really small and it feels very cramped as the tables are so close together. The steak tasted good but it was heavily seasoned and I felt sick later that night. The service was ok nothing special. Wont be going back read more

Nice romantic ambiance. Steak was executed well and the potato gratin was delicious. Only not super great part was the waiter was kinda cold and unfriendly. Could have just been an off night for him but was a bit of a damper on the evening read more

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Wow! What a random and wonderful find!!!! We had no idea this place, and what an incredible experience. It's dark and moody in all the best ways!! Everyone was wonderful and the food was absolutely impeccable! The sandabs, holy moly! So good! I cannot wait to come back here! read more

Dear John’s - Sand dabs, wow! - American Near Me - Culver City, California

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Delightful. Sirloin was perfect, as was the martini. Good wine list too. Our server, Ben, was wonderful.

Dear John's is one of those places that just gets it right--from the mood lighting and Sinatra-era vibes to the perfectly executed steaks and classic cocktails. It's got this vintage Hollywood feel without trying too hard, and every detail feels intentional. The filet mignon was buttery and cooked exactly medium rare, with that perfect char on the outside. The creamed spinach and au gratin potatoes? Comfort food goals. And the wedge salad? Crisp, cold, and loaded. Nothing fancy--just done right. Cocktails are strong and well-balanced. The martini is a must, and the bartenders here clearly know what they're doing. Service is sharp--attentive without hovering, friendly without being casual. Great for a date night, special occasion, or even just when you're craving a throwback vibe with genuinely excellent food. It's rare to find a spot that feels this nostalgic and still completely delivers on quality. If you haven't been yet, Dear John's is the kind of place you remember--and want to come back to. read more

The food was delicious! Cheese bread, steaks, oysters, potatoes and cream spinach! But the peanut butter dessert was really heaven! The service was outstanding! Will definitely be back! read more

Love it and probably one of my top 5 favorite steakhouses in LA. Best tots in the city with some good caviar. Great steak. Sexy steak house vibe. read more

I was so lucky to be able to try the special wagyu tasting menu at @dearjohnsbar , a classic LA steakhouse that has been featured with glowing reviews on @latimes , @infatuation_la , and @eater_la . I loved how the chef carefully curated each dish featured on the menu to emphasize the natural buttery, grassy, and subtly sweet nature of the Kobe, with beautiful features of both traditional American and Japanese flavors. While I LOVED this special menu and hope that they'll keep at least some of these dishes on their regular menu, I definitely have to be back to check out their normal offerings, as well as their indoor seating options! Featured here: Caesar salad with garlic bread Beef Bearnaise Steak tartare J-1 marinated rump with confit cipollini onions and mushrooms Surf and turf Knuckle with ragout, cavatelli, pistachio, pecorino Slow braised knuckle with potato purée Peppercorn steak with French fries read more

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Went here for girls night out during Dine LA. The service was amazing from valet to our waiter Angel. Angel was very knowledgeable about the menu and made great recommendations. Our tequila lemon drops were on point! The food was DELICIOUS from the Rockefeller oysters and Cesar salad to the rib eye and chicken Parmesan. And the dessert was the icing on top! We will definitely be going back. Grateful to have found this gem! read more

This place is a 1.5 rating. Definitely not the $305 we spent. (That includes the valet parking.) We had the Caesar salad made at table side, I ordered the Lobster Thermidor (which had waaay too much creamed spinach) & unsalted German potatoes. My husband enjoyed his chicken Parmesan, and truffle Mac& cheese (not worth the calories). Our daughter had the unseasoned broccolini and Sand Dabs, which she did enjoy. We shared our sides. The waiter was nice. We sat outside, that was okay. They ask you what type of water you want, we chose still water and was charged for the bottle of water. A "glass" of not very good Pinot Grigio was $20. We went there because I really wanted the Lobster Thermidor. It was so disappointing. I probably should have gotten the chicken parm because my husband really enjoyed it. Guess it was seasoned well. Another reason this experience was not worth the $305 was the outside preparation of food before you go into the building looked unsanitary. And I almost tripped on the horrible fake grass green rug going into the building to use the ONE bathroom they had. The building for sure needs a remodel and food preparation outside with no sink handling food from an over crowded kitchen surely should not get an A rating. It was at best a B rating. The Mexican music coming from the kitchen (which was across from the one bathroom) was so loud I couldn't use the bathroom in peace. Dear John's is definitely not worth the money we spent. My advice: if you don't mind spending this kind of money on a meal... go to a fine restaurant that deserves it.... because we were paying for food and the experience....go somewhere else. read more

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I love the west side's Hollywood- esque Italian steak joints-there's Vito's in Ocean Park, there's Capo in Santa Monica, and there's Dear John's in Culver City. Dear John's is a unique and phenomenal experience as long as you get good service, which seens to be a big if. I've been twice. For purposes of a fair review, let's start with everything that is great. Let's start with the sign-the white font with the red backdrop is exemplary. Like the Chateau, like Dan Tana's, it just screams, " let's have a boozy red wine hazy steak garlicky spaghetti and clams night of debauchery." There's a Sinatra connection, you walk in and it's dark and sexy. I forgot the appetizers (you'll hear about that later) ~The tableside caesar for 2 is a great gimmick ~The spaghetti and clams ~The ribeye is quality ~ the chicken parm is fun. See pic it's like a chicken kiev with the sauce on the side. ~ The Garlic Bread is fun. The first time we went our service was exemplary, no notes. This past Tuesday I was fresh off of a flight, arrived at 8:15 and 3 of us dined outside in their covid patio. Was quite nice, but the service was unacceptably bad. They forgot our appetizers completely, the server made the Caesar and served it before getting our drinks, and they seemed to be untrained and were rushing us. Sucked. Wrecked my dinner and my friends were pissed. Don't rush me. And don't ever think you can buy my forgiveness with comped desert. ~ read more

Dear John’s - Sinatra in the bathroom - American Near Me - Culver City, California

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